Auto Mechanic Referrals needed

**FL Dawg** · 03-05-2007, 08:24 AM

Can anyone refer a good local mechanic who doesnt take 2 weeks to fix your car and doesn't charge you an arm and a leg (i.e. John Johns's) ?

**ShallowsNole** · 03-05-2007, 09:09 AM

Unfortunately, locally John-John's is basically it. Perhaps someone else here knows about someone else.

**InletBchDweller** · 03-05-2007, 09:15 AM

I have a friend who is ready to move his shop here but because of the scenic route he cant put it on 98 where he wanted to...

I guess we have a nice route full of trees, and banks, and re offices, and title companies but not things that locals need,.......I have used Frimet to z on 98 in west pcb. other than that, i dont know....

**John R** · 03-05-2007, 09:22 AM

john john's is not for the faint of heart. i go there for parts only.

Scotty's Auto is the place. 311 just north of the bridge. 835 4866.

**TN2FLA** · 03-05-2007, 10:15 AM

Beach Technical is alot more reasonable in price...but they too tend to take there sweet time on fixing autos

**Camp Creek Kid** · 03-05-2007, 10:27 AM

I agree with JohnR--Scotty's Auto is the best place to go. The owners are very good people and SoWal locals, although their shop is just over the 331 bridge in Freeport.

For non-emergencies or routine maintenance, make an appointment with them--that way they can work you into their schedule and they will get your car back to you that day.

**GoodWitch58** · 03-05-2007, 12:31 PM

Not sure what kind of car you have, but Henry's Imports in PCBeach is the best -- Henry saved my old Benz so many times. And, he and Renee are wonderful people. I know they work on BMW, Benz, and Toyota...not sure about others. Good luck!

**goofer44** · 05-16-2007, 06:28 PM

I need an auto service place for the simple maintenance stuff...oil change, oil filter, lube etc. Any recommendations? Is there a Jiffy Lube around here?

**Smiling JOe** · 05-16-2007, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by goofer44

I need an auto service place for the simple maintenance stuff...oil change, oil filter, lube etc. Any recommendations? Is there a Jiffy Lube around here?

After reading so many horror stories on quicky lube (generic) stations, I am very hesitant about taking my autos to one for the basics. I drive to the dealers in PC, for those regularly scheduled services. There are several quickly lube stations on hwy 98 in Destin, and there may be some closer to your end of the beach in PCB, but I don't recall seeing any on 98 in PCB.

**goofer44** · 05-16-2007, 08:08 PM

SJ

you are probably right about going back to the dealer ( my auto is an 06 honda accord ). but i am just too lazy to drive 30 minutes to pc. i guess i am getting used to being a sowal native.....becoming very laid back !!

**Smiling JOe** · 05-16-2007, 08:11 PM

only 30 minutes? I guess you are a lot closer than me. It is a solid 50 minutes each way for me to get to the Honda dealer on 15th in PC. I make a day of it and stop by Hunt's on Beck Ave for a self-reward of a few dz raw oysters to ease my pain.

**Camp Creek Kid** · 05-16-2007, 08:18 PM

Grease Pro Express is on Back Beach Road near the Taco Bell at HWY 79.

**John R** · 05-16-2007, 08:51 PM

i've used grease pro a couple of times, they're good. also the goodyear in destin by gold's gym, early on saturday morning.

**GoodWitch58** · 05-16-2007, 10:06 PM

I drive to the wonderful Super Lube in Tallahassee. They are wonderful!

**sand flea** · 05-17-2007, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by TN2FLA

Beach Technical is alot more reasonable in price...but they too tend to take there sweet time on fixing autos

Take thier sweet time? I'll say they took 3 months to get started on my car and then ask if they wanted me to take it to someone else. Then, two weeks later and almost $800 for installing a jumper wire to bypass the problem, I can drive it again. I had a similar problem with my other car, an $800 tune up, plugs, rotor, distributor cap, plug wires, air filter. Twice bitten, still bleeding.

I have heard good reports on Scotty's and will be going threr next week.

**rogpurf** · 05-17-2007, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by goofer44

I need an auto service place for the simple maintenance stuff...oil change, oil filter, lube etc. Any recommendations? Is there a Jiffy Lube around here?

I do this stuff at FRIMET on Hwy. 98.

**scooterbug44** · 05-17-2007, 10:31 AM

I have been going to Tuffy's in Destin for a couple years and have been pleased with them in terms of service, prices, etc. They let you schedule appointments for oil changes, (which I love) and my car is always ready when they say it will be.

I am woefully ignorant on car matters and female, so they could have ripped me off on some major repairs, but nothing has raised a red flag w/ anyone I've asked about it and I never feel like I'm being patronized or talked down to.

**kurt** · 05-17-2007, 10:44 AM

Somebody has praised Tuffy's here before.

Scotty's is awesome. I say this at the risk of them becoming too busy or raising prices. Tell Lenna that Kurt sent you and she will do nothing extra special for you.

**rapunzel** · 05-17-2007, 10:55 AM

Does anyone have any suggestions for auto glass replacement? Since it took the Mini dealership 8 business days to change my oil and whatever else they do for a routine scheduled service, I'm hesitant to take my car back there for anything remotely complicated. Plus, the drive through Mississippi on I-10 usually produces a ding or a crack. Is there a good auto glass place around?

**ladyj** · 05-17-2007, 11:55 AM

Big 10 Tires is good with routine stuff....brakes etcetera. They actually charge a decent rate and won't charge if they don't find anything wrong.
It's hard to find a good place around here. I end up at the dealer more often than not and pay through the nose there.

**scooterbug44** · 05-17-2007, 11:59 AM

I miss the place on 393 - it was my go to for flat tires. Couldn't beat the location and I usually got a lesson on car maintenence/repair as well.

**Mango** · 05-17-2007, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by rapunzel

Does anyone have any suggestions for auto glass replacement? Since it took the Mini dealership 8 business days to change my oil and whatever else they do for a routine scheduled service, I'm hesitant to take my car back there for anything remotely complicated. Plus, the drive through Mississippi on I-10 usually produces a ding or a crack. Is there a good auto glass place around?

You should PM audie for who she used a few weeks ago while in sowal.
They came right to her place promptly and put new glass in.

**sand flea** · 05-18-2007, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by rapunzel

Does anyone have any suggestions for auto glass replacement? Since it took the Mini dealership 8 business days to change my oil and whatever else they do for a routine scheduled service, I'm hesitant to take my car back there for anything remotely complicated. Plus, the drive through Mississippi on I-10 usually produces a ding or a crack. Is there a good auto glass place around?

Harmon Auto Glass,'phone no. 951-2048

**florida girl** · 05-23-2007, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by FL Dawg

Can anyone refer a good local mechanic who doesnt take 2 weeks to fix your car and doesn't charge you an arm and a leg (i.e. John Johns's) ?

I had a wheel bearing repair to be done, and called John John, Madhatter in PC, Scotty's (they wouldn't quote over the phone), and B & M Tire in Freeport. B & M Tire was about $100 cheaper. The business is also for sale, by the way. They did the job in an afternoon. No problems. The M is for Mickey Marse who is the mayor of Freeport. B is his son Brad.

**swantree** · 05-23-2007, 06:48 PM

Frimet is the best hands down around here. or if you have a euro model try eurasian garage in PC....they are really good and no bull around a car.

**4dogs** · 05-22-2008, 09:29 AM

Sorry so many people have had a bad experince with John-John. I have used them since it was Santa Rosa Auto Repair. I have never had a problem.
They always give me a fair price for work done.
I drop it off in the morning and it is done by afternoon. Oil Changes with an appointment, about 15 minutes and I don't have to worry about someone forgetting to put something back on. (Like you do at the those drive through places.)

**seagrovegirl** · 05-22-2008, 10:41 AM

John-Johns has been dependable for me. I've been using them since it was Santa Rosa auto as well. Never had a problem and very professional.

**organicmama** · 05-22-2008, 12:42 PM

We were told NOT to go to John-John but Mr. OM was determined because he didn't want to have our car towed into Destin & he could actually get it there.

I have to say John-John has been great with our Accord. They didn't charge for things they could have, i.e., we Mr. OM went to pick it up from fixing some other things, they thought the fuel pump went out. They were going to cut us on the cost, as we had put a TON of money into it (basically a complete overhaul), but come to find out, he cleaned it out (can't remember the details) and it didn't need a fuel pump.... he didn't charge us a thing. Also, we had some things fixed that we had been told in ATL that we had to take it to the dealership or we couldn't have it done.

John-John's really has been great for us.

**ckhagen** · 05-22-2008, 06:14 PM

Not exactly "local", but there is a guy in FWB named Vern. His "shop" is right past the corner of eglin and racetrack rd, on the left. It looks like a total shanty and there's a million cars piled up all over the place. But I swear, he has the BEST service and prices I've ever seen in my life. A totally honest guy, been located right there for something like 40 years. My mom actually walked out of there one time with a total bill of $10!! She gave him a $20 tip for being so honest, lol! He did a great job when I used him too, on Thanksgiving weekend of all times. Fit me in and got me done in one day. Absolutely fabulous.

**tsutcli** · 05-29-2008, 09:08 PM

Take all my auto repair work to Frimet and they have been great in getting me in and out quickly at fair prices. Henry's on Front Beach Road is the best for foreign cars.